lindy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “lindy” mean?
A lively, acrobatic partner dance that evolved in the United States in the late 1920s, primarily associated with swing music and the swing era.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lively, acrobatic partner dance that evolved in the United States in the late 1920s, primarily associated with swing music and the swing era; also called the Lindy Hop.
The term 'lindy' may also serve as a nickname, typically for the name 'Linda' or 'Lindsey', but its primary, dictionary-defined meaning is the dance. In some contexts, it can refer informally to a fan or practitioner of Lindy Hop.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'lindy' (for the dance) is equally understood in both varieties, though its active cultural history is distinctly American. The nickname usage is also common in both. No significant lexical or grammatical differences exist.
Connotations
Primarily connotes dance, music culture, and a specific historical period (the swing era). The nickname connotes informality and familiarity.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the dance's origins. In the UK, it is primarily used within specific dance communities and by those interested in vintage music/dance culture.
Grammar
How to Use “lindy” in a Sentence
dance the lindydo a lindylearn (the) lindyteach (sb) the lindyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lindy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the workshop, we all tried to lindy to the classic recording.
- Can you actually lindy to this modern song?
American English
- We lindied until our feet were sore.
- He's been lindying for years at that club in Chicago.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use for 'lindy']
American English
- [No standard adverbial use for 'lindy']
adjective
British English
- They hired a fantastic lindy band for the wedding.
- The festival has a strong lindy scene.
American English
- She's wearing vintage lindy shoes for the competition.
- That's a classic lindy move called the swingout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potential exception: business related to dance studios or event planning for vintage-themed parties.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or dance studies contexts (e.g., 'The lindy reflected the social dynamics of the Harlem Renaissance').
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, music history, or social dancing. 'We're going to a lindy class tonight.'
Technical
Used in dance pedagogy and choreography with specific terms for steps and techniques (e.g., 'lindy circle', 'lindy turn').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lindy”
- Capitalising 'lindy' when referring generically to the dance (though acceptable, modern style guides often use lowercase).
- Using 'lindy' as a verb without the required support structure (e.g., 'We lindied all night' is informal but accepted; 'We danced the lindy all night' is more standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference in meaning; 'Lindy Hop' is the full name, and 'lindy' is the common, abbreviated form. Both refer to the same dance.
No, it is fundamentally a social, improvisational street dance that originated in African American communities. It is energetic and acrobatic, not a formal ballroom dance.
Yes, informally. Dancers often say 'to lindy' meaning 'to dance the Lindy Hop' (e.g., 'We lindied all night').
It is widely believed to be named after Charles 'Lindy' Lindbergh following his historic 1927 transatlantic flight, capturing the 'hop' across the Atlantic. The name was reportedly coined at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.
A lively, acrobatic partner dance that evolved in the United States in the late 1920s, primarily associated with swing music and the swing era.
Lindy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪndi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪndi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'lindy' as a word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Lindy Hop: Think of a 'lively' and 'windy' dance floor where you 'hop' around with energy. Lindy = Lively + Windy (movement).
Conceptual Metaphor
Lindy is ENERGY/CELEBRATION (e.g., 'The band's music was pure lindy, making everyone want to dance').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the common noun 'lindy'?